HALIFAX - A new report on Nova Scotia's coastline says the quantity of shellfish that was caught off the province dropped by more than a half between 2003 and 2006.

The government report titled the State of Nova Scotia's Coast says the province will suffer physically, ecologically and economically without the co-ordinated participation of those with a stake in the future of the coastline.

Released today in Halifax by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the report gives an overview of the condition of Nova Scotia's coastal areas and outlines a framework that it says will "focus efforts to tackle complex coastal issues."

It defines six priority issues, including coastal development, public access to coastal areas, the rise of sea levels, water quality, and the future of sensitive ecosystems and habitats.

The report says restrictions placed on shellfish harvesting areas is an indicator of poor water quality, and it found that between 1985 and 2000 the number of closures in harvesting areas doubled.

The government says it will use the report and public feedback to develop a strategy for release in 2011 that will act as a "blueprint" for addressing coastal issues.

The government says the report also gives a baseline that's needed to determine future trends.